McDonald Sports Park — Attraction in Waverley

We went for a quick walk tonight at the McDonald Sports Park. I believe we only got about half way as I was not certain when the gates would be locked, so I will update if needed once we complete it next time.

This is truly a hidden gem, especially if you enjoy cross country skiing. This trail has been very well maintained and in pristine condition. The trail has a lot of drainage, so no washouts at all up to the point we walked before we turned around, but given the shape I highly doubt there anywhere to be found.

You can't see the park from the road, so you need to drive in and you will see to gates. One to the right on the hill and one straight along the lake. Keep driving straight along the lake and you will come to a decent size parking lot that will probably hold a few dozen cars or maybe more. There is a small skate board park, and a baseball field which I didn't have time to check out closer but it looks well done from where I was.

There is signage, so please take a couple of minutes to read the guidelines for the park. Dogs are to be on leash only in this park. The signage also indicates there is a ski club that use the trails in the winter with instructions on how to sign up if you like which I thought was a great idea. I might even invest in some cross country skies now just because of this trail.

There are benches along the trail and little side trails that have benches on small decks where you can sit and relax and take in the view of the lake. There is also a gazebo with a picnic table which would be great for having a picnic on a really hot day or if you happened to get caught in a quick downpour. I did not notice any litter which is a good indication visitors are taking out what they take in which is a park rule. Also, it looks like the the majority of the dog owners are also responsible as we only noticed one instance where someone did not pick up after their dog. There is usually always at least one person where ever you go, and that is not the fault of the park or the animal, just an irresponsible owner.

Based on what I have seen so far, this park is well worth the visit, and I will be back to explore the rest of it in more detail another day, so stay tuned! 👍

[Update] Today we went and finished the remaining trails and it was worth going back for and even stopped for a quick picnic at one of concrete picnic tables along the way. The main trail actually leads back to the highway and has a boardwalk underneath the highway by the lake. Going back we took the rougher section just to see it. We were almost back to the parking lot when I noticed a red pileated woodpecker tearing away at an old rotten log. I have updated the pictures and couple video clips of the lake by the highway and the red pileated woodpecker that I was able to capture.

[Update/Amendment] Just a quick thank you to the owner of the parks response on clarification regarding my uncertainty about the gates closing. It turns out I had nothing to be concerned about. Please see the owners comment below....

Beautiful shaded trails around the lake. You'll catch the odd glimpse of the 118 highway, but it doesn't intrude upon the peace of the nature trail . A great place to go biking on a hot day. There are a few different trails, some more well groomed than others. Be careful on the downhills with a few rocks you will want to navigate around. Go slowly.

Bring your hybrid as this is no place for...

Winter maintained for all of your croas country and fatbike needs. Also makes it easier to walk on. Dogs on leash only though... Must say, most people who do take their dogs there have them off leash on a top trail, I put mine on if I see anyone. Great in a summer as well, good for a bike ride on a main trail, mountain bike ride on top trail or a run. A lot of people with kids on...